Windows 12 to Require New Hardware, Integrate Local AI Capabilities
The next generation of Windows, dubbed Windows 12 by some sources, may require new hardware specifications and integrate local AI capabilities.
Microsoft has been rumored to be working on a successor to Windows 11, but the company has denied these claims. However, Brien Posey, a 22-time Microsoft MVP, suggests that Microsoft is indeed exploring new system requirements for its operating system.
Posey believes that the latest generation of Microsoft Surface laptops, which feature Qualcomm Hexagon NPUs (Neural Processing Units), may be a key factor in this decision. NPUs are specialized processors designed for running AI workloads and offer improved performance and power efficiency compared to traditional GPUs.
If Windows 12 does require an NPU, it's likely that Microsoft will use these capabilities to enhance local AI features. Posey predicts that the new operating system may reintroduce Windows Recall, a feature previously met with negative publicity. Instead, Microsoft might introduce a replacement that captures insights from user data without constant screen monitoring.
The integration of local AI could also allow users to run various AI models offline, enabling features such as live transcription, video enhancement, coding assistance, and document summarization.